Potato market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the fresh potato market in Northern America contracted, with volume declining from 25.6 million tons to 23.6 million tons.

The market rebounded to 24.2 million tons in 2021, supported by strong consumer demand as potatoes remained affordable during food inflation. Volume dipped to 23.6 million tons in 2022, partly due to record-high potato exports that reduced domestic availability. A recovery followed in 2023, with market volume reaching 25.6 million tons, driven by robust export activity and stable domestic consumption, alongside growing consumer interest in convenience and premium products such as organic and locally grown potatoes.

Advances in freezing technology improved product quality for the frozen segment, while shifts toward health and sustainability continued to influence preferences. In 2024, North American potato production saw a slight decrease, yet supplies remained adequate for processing needs, with demand for convenient and organic products persisting.

Production potato in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of potato, 2017-2020

World map of production of potato, 2017-2020

Potato production in Northern America has declined for the third year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 24 339 thousand tonnes of potatoes, marking a slight decrease of 1.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 5.9%, with an average annual decline rate of 2.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports potato from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 at 81.7 thousand tonnes, then peaked in 2020 at 735.4 thousand tonnes, representing a 9-fold increase between these years. In 2020, Northern America exported 735.4 thousand tonnes of potatoes, a sharp rise of 56.0% compared to the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 86.2%, while the largest increase was recorded in 2019, surging by 476.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Indonesia formed the core group of markets for potato exports in kind. Thailand accounted for 1.9% of exports, Trinidad and Tobago for 1.5%, and Indonesia for 0.8%. Together, these three countries represented 4.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, potato exports from Northern America amounted to 296.0 million US dollars, showing a steep increase of 29.3% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports grew by 24%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 228.9 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 9.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, and Indonesia consistently remained the main destinations for potato exports in value terms. Thailand accounted for 1.6% of exports, Trinidad and Tobago for 1.1%, and Indonesia for 0.6%. Together, these three countries made up 3.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020

Imports potato to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Import volumes reached their maximum in 2017 and dropped to a minimum in 2019, with a 431-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Northern America imported 4.6 thousand tonnes of potatoes, representing a 169.6% gain compared to the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1.7 thousand tonnes, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, falling by 98.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark was the principal market for potato imports to Northern America, absorbing 0.9% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2020, potato imports to Northern America amounted to 91.4 million US dollars, showing a strong decline of 17.0% year-on-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 7.6%, with an average annual decline rate of 2.6%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 110.2 million US dollars, which also saw the largest increase of 17.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, Denmark was the leading destination in the structure of potato imports in value terms, taking 1.3% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020